On Thursday, May 13, 2010, in what is reported to be the largest seizure ever of animals in Garrett County, authorities raided a farm on King Wildesen Road, impounding 26 horses (originally reported as 25), 18 cows and assorted other livestock on charges of neglect and abuse.
These horses were apparently the lucky ones, as the carcasses of ten horses were also found, some reportedly wearing bridles. (The reported number of carcasses has varied from 10 to 17.)
According to the Cumberland News-Times, necropsies will be preformed in order to determine the horses’ exact cause of death. The investigation may also involve warrants to excavate in search of more carcasses.
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, which was called in by Garrett County Animal Control to assist, relocated the horses and cattle to its Woodbine facility in Howard County.
In Maryland, intentional neglect and/or abuse can be prosecuted as a felony.
On Thursday, May 20, the Maryland Division of Corrections will donate and deliver 220 bales of hay, baled at the Thoroughbred retirement facility maintained by prisoners.
The Equiery will post more information as it becomes available.
For current stories, please visit:
Cumberland News-Times
Washington D.C. Channel 9 News
Judge Upholds Animal Cruelty Charges Against Baltimore Couple
Meanwhile, back in court on April 27 for criminal neglect of a horse were Baltimore County attorney Hilton Silver and his wife Donna. Last summer they were sentenced to 90 days in jail for criminal neglect, but so far had only served six days. On April 27, 2010, the judge upheld the charges.
For more, visit the Maryland Daily Record
Resources
Click here to find out what to do if you suspect neglect or abuse, and scroll to bottom of page for a PDF.
Click here to understand more about Maryland’s minimum standards of care for horses, as required by law.
